Archive for the 'GPS' Category
The Magellan RoadMate 1700 is designed to make driving and navigating larger vehicles easier and safer. The extra large 7-inch WVGA full-color display provides four times the standard screen area for enhanced readability allowing the driver to spend more time with their eyes on the road and less on the screen. The Highway Lane Assist feature positions the driver in the proper lane for upcoming lane changes and exits – critical advance notice for larger vehicles. Magellan’s OneTouch user interface gives you instant access to your favorite addresses and searches.
“The Magellan RoadMate 1700 was created for large vehicle drivers to make their journeys safer and easier,” said Mike Wagner, Senior Director of Product Marketing for Magellan. “With its extra large color touch screen, built-in AAA TourBook® and Roadside Assistance, optional extension mount and CoPilot trucker software (sold separately), the Magellan RoadMate 1700 is the ideal travel companion for SUVs, family vacations in the RV or even commercial truck drivers.”
The Magellan RoadMate 1700 includes preloaded maps of the 50 United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; Highway Lane Assist; Spoken Street Names, mini USB 2.0; a Micro SD; Multi-Destination Routing with Route Optimization, and integrated AAA TourBook® travel guide information. A convenient Video-In jack can be used to connect an iPod®, back-up camera or other video source to watch live video on the bright 7” display (cable not included).
Specialized optional accessories allow you to adapt the Magellan RoadMate 1700 to your large vehicle needs. An optional heavy duty Extension Mount brings the GPS navigator up close and personal. With three points of articulation and an extra 12” of extension, no cab is too large to maneuver the display within easy reach. The specialized multi-surface mounting pad will stick directly to vinyl dashboards safely securing the device and avoiding the long reach to the windshield.
The optional CoPilot® Truck Software from ALK industries provides reliable and accurate truck-specific GPS navigation and mapping for drivers of all types and sizes of commercial and recreational vehicles throughout the United States and Canada. The Magellan RoadMate 1700 is now available online and in many retail locations. It includes a windshield mount and cradle, cigarette lighter adapter, protective pouch, USB data cable and an adhesive disk for dash mounting.
The unit retails for $299. For optional accessories, including cases, pouches and additional mounting options, visit http://www.magellangps.com.
The Earthmate PN-60w is the world’s first handheld GPS that enables Type & Send text messaging via satellite. A special interface on the PN-60w connects it wirelessly with the SPOT Satellite Communicator, which was designed exclusively for DeLorme. Messages are created on the PN-60w’s internal keyboard, then relayed via satellite for delivery using established SPOT technology.
Because messages are conveyed via satellite, and are not dependent on cellular phone coverage, the PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator keeps users reliably connected even in remote locations around the world. Both devices are designed to be ruggedized and waterproof and thus better suited than most cell phones for the rigors of outdoor use.
The Teva Mountain Games will be the first opportunity for the public to see the two devices together in action. The DeLorme and SPOT exhibits will be side-by-side in the Gear Town area, located in downtown Vail.
“We’re excited to introduce the Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator to serious outdoors enthusiasts at the Teva Mountain Games,” said DeLorme Product Manager Chip Noble. “The ability to navigate confidently in remote locations and stay connected with customized satellite messaging means peace of mind wherever you go.”
Users can type and send text messages to individual email addresses, cell phones, buddy lists, and social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Fire Eagle, SpotAdventures.com, or Geocaching.com. In case of emergency, SOS messages can be sent with the user’s GPS coordinates embedded. In addition, family and friends can track a user’s progress via Google’s free online maps.
The Earthmate PN-60w comes with DeLorme Topo North America GPS maps and desktop software included, with topographic and street coverage of the U.S. and Canada. It also displays high-resolution aerial imagery, official USGS and Natural Resources Canada topo maps, and NOAA nautical charts, all available from DeLorme via low-cost subscription. Navionics lake maps and marine charts (sold separately) can also be displayed.
The text messaging, track progress, and emergency SOS/911 features are all activated via subscriptions from SPOT.
Verizon Wireless today announced that the BlackBerry® Bold™ 9650 smartphone will be available to order online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning June 3 and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning June 10. Running on the largest and most reliable wireless voice and 3G data network in the United States, the BlackBerry Bold is the first global phone from Verizon Wireless to support GlobalAccess Connect, allowing customers to tether their BlackBerry Bold to a notebook or netbook and use it as a modem for wireless Internet access in more than 200 countries worldwide.
Key features:
· Optical trackpad for easy and fluid navigation
· Built-in Wi-Fi® (802.11 b/g)
· Push to Talk feature – Allows customers to leverage Verizon Wireless’ 3G network for instant two-way communication with up to 50 people with the touch of a button
· VZ Navigator® version 6 – Gives customers access to free mapping and integration with Bing to sort searches by relevance and a new option to choose day, week or monthly subscriptions
· VZ Navigator Global capabilities – Provides turn-by-turn directions and maps in English while navigating through more than 20 destinations, including Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. This easy-to-use application also marks distances in miles or kilometers and finds restaurants, gas stations, banks/ATMs and other popular spots using the Local Search feature
Additional specifications:
· Stylish design (4.40” x 2.44” x .55” and 4.8 oz.) with glossy black finish and chrome highlights
· Mobile e-mail and messaging capabilities
· Large (2.45”) high-resolution display (480 x 360 resolution at 245 ppi) that displays pictures, videos and Web pages with contrast and detail
· 3.2 megapixel camera with flash, variable zoom, image stabilization, autofocus and video recording
· Advanced media player for videos, pictures and music; a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack; and support for the Bluetooth® Stereo Audio Profile (A2DP/AVCRP)
· BlackBerry® Media Sync to easily sync music as well as photos*.
· Easy mobile access to Facebook®, MySpace and Flickr® as well as popular instant messaging services, including BlackBerry® Messenger
· Support for BlackBerry App World™, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones
· 512 MB Flash memory and an expandable memory card slot that supports up to 16 GB microSD™ HC cards (a 2 GB card is pre-installed)
· Full HTML Web browser, streaming audio and video via RTSP
· Built-in GPS with support for location-based applications and services as well as geotagging
· Premium phone features, including voice-activated dialing, speakerphone, and Bluetooth (2.1)
· Support for high-speed EV-DO Rev. A networks in North America as well as single band UMTS/HSPA (2100 MHz) and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks abroad
· Removable and rechargeable 1400 mAhr battery for up to 5 hours of CDMA talk time
Pricing and availability:
· The BlackBerry Bold 9650 smartphone will be available for order online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning June 3, and it will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning June 10 for $149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. A non-camera version of the phone will also be available for order online beginning June 3. Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
· Verizon Wireless customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide Talk plan or Nationwide Talk & Text plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.
· GlobalAccess Connect plans are available for $65 monthly access for 5 GB allowance in the United States and Canada ($0.05/MB overage) and 100 MB allowance in select countries ($5.12/MB overage). There is also a $155 monthly access option that offers 5 GB allowance in the United States and Canada and 200 MB allowance in select countries, with the same overage rates as the $65 monthly option.
· Customers can add Push to Talk for $5 per month per line and download the service from the Application Center or through VZStart on their handsets. VZ Navigator is available for $2.99 for daily use, $4.99 for seven-day use or $9.99 for monthly subscription.
· For information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
VoiceSkins.com, in association with Lucasfilm Ltd. and TomTom, announces the launch of the official Star Wars voices for GPS. Darth Vader’s VoiceSkin is the first Star Wars GPS voice to be made available for download by users of TomTom GPS navigation systems. The voices of Yoda, Han-Solo and C-3PO will be launched over the summer of 2010.
“The TomTom brand is synonymous with high quality navigation. Star Wars fans are sure to be delighted when they hear just how great these voices sound on their TomTom navigation devices,” says Casey Collins, sr. director of international licensing and marketing at Lucas Licensing.
”Star Wars is iconic and the voices from the films are some of the most distinctive and recognisable in popular culture. We are absolutely delighted to bring the official Star Wars voices to TomTom GPS in partnership with Lucasfilm,” said Chris Hilton, CEO of Locutio Voice Technologies, the company behind VoiceSkins.com.
Lord Vader’s menacing voice and signature breathing add a thrilling dimension to TomTom GPS voice commands. Incorporating dialogue inspired by the original films, the Darth Vader VoiceSkin delivers navigation instructions such as: “In 100 yards, take the exit left and do not fail me this time!”, and: “After 800 yards, turn to the left…then… make a U-turn – Obi Wan has taught you well.” And: “Bear left, to the Dark Side. Then in 200 yards you have reached your destination. The Force is with you, but you are not a Jedi yet”.
The Darth Vader voice also features original sound effects from the classic films, including lightsaber sounds and TIE fighter flybys. John Williams’ unforgettable Imperial March music is embedded into certain sections of the navigation commentary. With such audio temptation on offer, Darth Vader will turn all TomTom drivers to the dark side!
“We are thrilled to launch these exclusive Star Wars voices, available only for TomTom devices,” said Tom Murray, senior vice president market development at TomTom, Inc. “Now, Star Wars fans around the world can unite their enthusiasm for Star Wars with their driving experience, making every journey more entertaining and enjoyable.”
Along with the Darth Vader VoiceSkin, Star Wars fans can also download extra content free of charge, including: official Star Wars start-up screen wallpaper; various official warning alerts sounds voiced by Darth Vader; and a Lord Vader map icon.
To celebrate the release of the voices, TomTom is launching a unique Star Wars game where fans can also test their allegiance to the Force, to see if they wish to turn to the dark side.
All Star Wars voices will be available in English to purchasers worldwide, with further languages available throughout the summer.
Darth Vader’s voice is available to all users of TomTom navigation systems for download immediately at $12.95. To hear clips of the voices – and to find out more about them and the Star Wars game – visit
· Website www.voiceskins.com/darthvader
· Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ljFfL-mL70 (Above Video)
· Game: www.tomtom.com/usetheforce
Verizon Wireless today announced DROID Incredible by HTC, the newest Android device on the nation’s most reliable wireless 3G network, will be available beginning April 29.
Featuring a “topographic” design that demonstrates the powerful engineering just beneath the surface, DROID Incredible by HTC is designed with craftsmanship and precision while making it easier than ever to stay connected.
DROID Incredible by HTC features the newest version of the HTC Sense experience, a seven-panel home screen with a wide selection of interactive widgets so the most important content is immediately available at a touch. Customers will enjoy seamless integration with Exchange ActiveSync®, quick and easy access to Flickr for sharing and viewing pictures, video, and Android Market™ with more than 30,000 Google applications. DROID Incredible by HTC is the first Verizon Wireless phone that takes advantage of Qualcomm’s 1GHz superfast Snapdragon processor, and it’s the first available phone from Verizon Wireless to include an 8 megapixel camera.
Shortly after the phone becomes available, customers will be able to enjoy two of the latest exclusive apps from Verizon Wireless – NFL Mobile and Skype mobile™.
Additional Key features:
· Android 2.1 with HTC Sense experience
· 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ processor for maximum responsiveness
· Friend Stream for unified Flickr, Facebook and Twitter updates
· “Leap” view for quick access to all seven home screen panels
· 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash for crisp, detailed images
· Razor-sharp 3.7 inch WVGA (480×800) AMOLED capacitive touch display
· Optical joystick for smooth navigation
· Dedicated, touch-sensitive Home, Menu, Back and Search keys
· Proximity sensor, light sensor and digital compass
· Integrated GPS
· Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
· 3.5 mm headset jack
Price and availability:
· DROID Incredible will be available for pre-order online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning on April 19 and it will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on April 29. Pricing will be $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
· DROID Incredible customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.
· For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
NAVIGON AG, a leading provider of mobile phone on-board navigation, today announced the availability of update 1.5.0 for MobileNavigator, the most feature-rich navigation app available on the iPhone platform. The new update delivers three innovative features: Connection to Facebook and Twitter, Panorama View 3D with 3D terrain views derived from NASA data, and personalized route recommendations via NAVIGON MyRoutes.
“With the our latest iPhone app update NAVIGON continues to expand the navigation functionalities of MobileNavigator, making sure our users have access to the latest NAVIGON innovations ,” said Gerhard Mayr, vice-president worldwide mobile phones & new markets, NAVIGON. “Update 1.5.0 not only redefines routing capabilities on the iPhone platform but also integrates outstanding, reliable 3D environment views and social media connectivity, an industry first feature for on-board iPhone navigation.”
MobileNavigator update 1.5.0 gives users an easy way to broadcast current position, destination and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) to favorite social media outlets, Twitter and Facebook, without navigation interruption. The in-app Facebook or Twitter icons seamlessly launch during navigation and Twitter will automatically limit character input to its required maximum 140 characters.
Complementing the elegant iPhone UI, Panorama View 3D is three-dimensional digitized cartography generated from NASA’s height and terrain data. The 3D maps deliver an accurate depiction of surrounding environment, and what lies ahead with landscapes that include elevations, shadows, and geographic images. Panorama View 3D is integrated in-map, independent from the phone’s data connection.
NAVIGON MyRoutes analyzes driving habits, patterns, location, time and day to provide up to three routes clearly displayed in-map with ETA, distance and driving times for each.
Up to three recommendations can be suggested, one primary, and up to two alternatives provide the user with options to choose the preferred course.
MobileNavigator transforms the iPhone into an inclusive navigation device that relies on the GPS receiver, independent from a cell or wireless signal, to provide the most feature rich on-board navigation application. MobileNavigator offers a familiar, yet streamlined user interface that offers intuitive visual feedback and readily accessible connected features, which takes the efficiency of mobile navigation to new heights. It is the only on-board iPhone navigation app available that includes Google Local Search, Reality View™ Pro, branded in-route POI’s, seamless in-app iPod controls, enhanced pedestrian mode, Traffic Live, and now Connection to Facebook and Twitter in one application.
NAVIGON recently announced the availability of MyRegion, a customizable version of MobileNavigator. MyRegion lets users choose which part of the country they use at a price built for all budgets. Available with flexible map choices for the Eastern, Central or Western U.S, the total U.S. map is downloaded upon purchase of the first “MyRegion,” and activation of additional content is accessed via a seamless In App Purchase on the go. NAVIGON MyRegion delivers the same premium feature set as the full North American version, and each region receives the same updates. NAVIGON MyRegion already includes the MyRoutes feature and Connection to Facebook and Twitter as well as Panorama View 3D will become available soon.
Pricing and Availability:
MobileNavigator update 1.5.0 is available for free to all current users. Panorama View 3D is an In App Purchase for $9.99. MobileNavigator with total map access of North America sells for $79.99 in the App Store with no hidden charges or additional monthly fees. NAVIGON MyRegion (Eastern, Central or Western) is available now in iTunes at an introductory price of $24.99 (normally $29.99) until April 12th. Each additional regional map can be accessed as an In App Purchase for an introductory $12.99 (normally $14.99).
Magellan, a leading GPS brand, today announced the launch of the Magellan eXplorist GC, the first dedicated GPS device for geocaching that includes out-of-the-box paperless geocaching, pre-loaded with the most popular geocaches in the world, a brilliant color screen, rich graphics and an easy to use interface all packed into a rugged and waterproof device, that connects seamlessly to http://www.geocaching.com. The Magellan eXplorist GC will ship in April.
Geocaching is a high-tech version of a “treasure hunt,” where adventure seekers use GPS technology to hide and find physical objects, solve location-based puzzles, and share experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people of all ages and promotes a strong sense of community and support for the environment.
The Magellan eXplorist GC GPS receiver is made exclusively for geocaching with an intuitive interface and the ability to sort and search thousands of geocaches. The device has multiple fun and familiar graphics, such as smiley faces for logs and merit-based awards to show off your geocaching expertise.
“Magellan, a leader in GPS and navigation for more than 20 years, is pleased to introduce a dedicated GPS device for geocaching that exceeds the expectations of both novice and seasoned geocachers,” said Justin Doucette, Director, Outdoor Product Marketing for Magellan. “The Magellan eXplorist GC offers an amazing geocaching experience that includes a full end-to-end solution, from accessing geocaching.com to finding hidden treasures all around you to documenting your adventures and sharing with a growing user community of enthusiasts.”
Powered by two AA batteries, the device can provide up to 18 straight hours of outdoor adventure along with a highly-sensitive SiRFstarIII GPS chipset that provides 3-meter accuracy. Geocachers can easily mark finds and quickly add field notes. Additionally, the product comes pre-loaded with common outdoor GPS features such as waypoint creation, a worldwide basemap, active tracking and trip odometer.
The Magellan eXplorist GC GPS device will be introduced at an M.S.R.P. of $199.99. The unit will ship with a USB cable and 2 lithium disposable AA batteries. With the purchase of a Magellan eXplorist GC GPS device customers will receive a 30-day free premium membership to http://www.geocaching.com. Details and conditions of this offer are available at http://www.magellangps.com/exploristgc.
Magellan, the exclusive 2010 sponsor of Geocaching.com’s Cache In Trash Out (CITO), will host a CITO event in the San Francisco Bay Area in the month of April. CITO is an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide geocaching community, dedicated to cleaning up parks and other cache-friendly places around the world to help preserve the natural beauty of our outdoor resources. Details will be available soon at http://www.magellangps.com.
NAVIGON AG, a world-leading provider of mobile navigation solutions, today announced the launch of NAVIGON MyRegion in the Apple App Store. NAVIGON MyRegion is a customizable version of NAVIGON’S popular iPhone navigation app, MobileNavigator, with regional map access for the East, Central or Western U.S. It is the first iPhone navigation app that lets users upgrade to additional regions within the app and on the go, providing cross country navigation at choice. The total U.S. map is downloaded upon purchase of the first “MyRegion,” which allows activation of additional map regions via a seamless In App Purchase from the application. NAVIGON MyRegion delivers the same premium feature set currently available in the North American version, MobileNavigator, and each version will receive the same updates. Access to the first region is available an introductory price of $24.99 (normally $29.99) until April 12th with no hidden charges or additional monthly fees. Each regional map can be accessed as an In App Purchase for an introductory $12.99 (normally $14.99) MobileNavigator with map access for all of North America (including Eastern, Central and Western U.S. as well as Canada) is available for $79.99.
“NAVIGON MyRegion gives our customers the power of choice to only access the areas they use, enabling a customized and tailor-made navigation experience at a price built for all budgets,” said Gerhard Mayr, NAVIGON vice-president worldwide mobile phones and new markets. “At the same time we are providing our customers the peace of mind of being able to upgrade to additional regions and cross country navigation later on, independent of additional downloads.”
NAVIGON MyRegion includes all the features and capabilities as MobileNavigator 1.4 plus NAVIGON MyRoutes. This new feature will be added to MobileNavigator North America via an upcoming update to 1.5.0 due this spring. NAVIGON MyRoutes is an industry first feature that learns from the users driving style to provide customized and better route recommendations. The feature also offers up to two alternative routes clearly displayed on a map including ETA, distance and driving time. This lets user choose the route that best serves their individual situation.
NAVIGON MyRegion offers a familiar, yet streamlined user interface that offers intuitive visual feedback and readily accessible connected features, which takes the efficiency of mobile navigation to new heights. It is the most feature rich navigation solution for the iPhone and transforms the Apple phone into a premium navigation device. NAVIGON MyRegion provides turn-by-turn directions independent of a cell or wireless signal, since the full map material is saved on the iPhone. It is the only iPhone navigation solution that includes Google Local Search, Reality View™ Pro, branded in-route POI’s, seamless in app iPod controls, enhanced pedestrian mode, NAVIGON MyRoutes, and Traffic Live in one application. Traffic Live provides crowd sourced real-time traffic information to calculate better routes that avoid congestion and get drivers to their destination faster. The feature is available as an in app one-time purchase at a promotional price of $19.99 until April 12th (normally $24.99).
NAVIGON is dedicated to delivering premium navigation software for multiple mobile phone platforms. The company recently launched MobileNavigator for Windows Phone and announced an application for Android phones.
Today’s availability of Palm® Pre™ Plus and Palm Pixi™ Plus will bring the Palm webOS™ experience to the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless 3G network. The reach and reliability of Verizon Wireless’ 3G network will provide customers with a 3G advantage when they use Palm Pre Plus and Palm Pixi Plus to:
· Download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking portals to streaming radio
· Browse the Web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more at faster speeds
· Stream must-see video
· Share e-mails with friends, family and coworkers that include picture and video attachments
· Download and play vivid, rousing games
· Quickly download and play music favorites from top 40 to classical
· Work on the go with rapid file sharing
Palm Pre Plus is $149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, and Palm Pixi Plus is $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, each with a new two-year customer agreement. Buy a Palm Pre Plus or a Palm Pixi Plus and get a Palm Pixi Plus free after a mail-in rebate through Feb. 14.
Learn more about the features of the new Palm Pre Plus and Palm Pixi Plus at http://news.vzw.com/news/2010/01/pr2010-01-07c.html and http://news.vzw.com/news/2010/01/pr2010-01-21.html.
About Verizon Wireless’ 3G Network
Magellan, one of the leading GPS brands, today announced an innovative new vehicle mount for the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and second generation iPod touch. With a built-in GPS receiver for improved navigation accuracy, the Premium Car Kit features an amplified speaker for crystal clear directions and enhanced Bluetooth hands-free calling and clear turn-by-turn directions.
For iPod touch 2G users, the GPS receiver in the Magellan Premium Car Kit allows true navigation functionality, turning the iPod touch into a complete car navigation system. Once the iPod touch is connected to the Premium Car Kit, a separate Bluetooth enabled mobile phone can be connected to it via Bluetooth for hands-free calling.
“Building on the ease of the Magellan RoadMate app, we are proud to introduce a cutting-edge Premium Car Kit that gives our consumers the entire in-car navigation experience from their iPhone or iPod touch,” said Peggy Fong, Chief Operating Officer for Magellan.
Features of the Premium Car Kit include the following:
Secure vehicle mounting for iPhone or iPod touch
Accommodates most silicon skins and hard shell cases
Adjustable mount securely rotates iPhone to either portrait or landscape mode for optimal positioning and widescreen route display
Recharges battery via the vehicle power outlet
Amplified speaker with volume control for loud and clear phone calls and directions
Noise canceling microphone for full duplex speakerphone operation
Auxiliary audio output (for connection to your car stereo)
Works with all navigation applications (including the Magellan RoadMate for iPhone application)
Bluetooth enables hands-free calling
Available now for pre-order, the car kit will retail for $129.99 and will be available at Amazon.com, Best Buy, and MagellanGPS.com.